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At least 181 records · Page 10

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NASA NTRS2019

The Impacts of Cabin Atmosphere Quality Standards and Control Loads on Atmosphere Revitalization Process Design

Maintaining the cabin atmosphere’s pressure, composition, and quality within specified parameters is a necessity for successful crewed space exploration missions. A properly maintained environment minimizes health impacts on the occupants and maximizes their comfort. The challenge is to accomplish this outcome economically. The insight gained during the International Space Station’s (ISS) operational lifetime is driving toward more challenging cabin atmospheric quality standards for future exploration missions. At the same time, the metabolic loads are increasing to accommodate a broader crew body size range and more rigorous exercise protocols to mitigate health effects associated with long duration microgravity exposure. Compounding this situation is new process equipment for handling trash and waste that may vent contaminants into the cabin. The limits placed on the cabin atmospheric quality parameters combined with the contaminant load define the design space for the atmosphere revitalization (AR) subsystem technologies to be deployed aboard the spacecraft. The impacts of changes to cabin atmospheric quality standards and contamination loads are evaluated and implications to future crewed exploration missions are explored.

Perry, Jay L.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Composting on Mars or the Moon: I. Comparative evaluation of process design alternatives

As a candidate technology for treating solid wastes and recovering resources in bioregenerative Advanced Life Support, composting potentially offers such advantages as compactness, low mass, near ambient reactor temperatures and pressures, reliability, flexibility, simplicity, and forgiveness of operational error or neglect. Importantly, the interactions among the physical, chemical, and biological factors that govern composting system behavior are well understood. This article comparatively evaluates five Generic Systems that describe the basic alternatives to composting facility design and control. These are: 1) passive aeration; 2) passive aeration abetted by mechanical agitation; 3) forced aeration--O2 feedback control; 4) forced aeration--temperature feedback control; 5) forced aeration--integrated O2 and temperature feedback control. Each of the five has a distinctive pattern of behavior and process performance characteristics. Only Systems 4 and 5 are judged to be viable candidates for ALS on alien worlds, though which is better suited in this application is yet to be determined.

Review↗

NASA NTRS2017

Development of Experimental Icing Simulation Capability for Full-Scale Swept Wings: Hybrid Design Process, Years 1 and 2

This report presents the key results from the first two years of a program to develop experimental icing simulation capabilities for full-scale swept wings. This investigation was undertaken as a part of a larger collaborative research effort on ice accretion and aerodynamics for large-scale swept wings. Ice accretion and the resulting aerodynamic effect on large-scale swept wings presents a significant airplane design and certification challenge to air frame manufacturers, certification authorities, and research organizations alike. While the effect of ice accretion on straight wings has been studied in detail for many years, the available data on swept-wing icing are much more limited, especially for larger scales.

Aircraft icing↗

DOE OSTI2017

Thorium(IV) Recovery from Water and Sea Water Using Surface Modified Nanocellulose/Nanobentonite Composite: Process Design

Thorium(Th) contamination in the ground water an emerging environmental issue and Th recovery from sea water and nuclear wastewater is of high significance, as it is a major player in the energy sector. For the adsorption and recovery of Th, polymer grafted bio materials are reported as most efficient materials. P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB was prepared and all the steps in the synthetic routes were monitored using FTIR, SEM–EDS, and XRD, TG. Efficiency in removal of Th(IV) by P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB was tested by batch adsorption technique. The pH dependent Th(IV) adsorption process, was optimized at 4.5 and adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 120 min. Experimental kinetic data correlates well with pseudo-second-order equation, indicates adsorption was chemical process via ion exchange followed by complexation reaction, also could explain the film diffusion process of adsorption. Sips isotherm proved to best fit for the adsorption of Th(IV) onto P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB with maximum adsorption capacity of 95.19 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies revealed the endothermic nature, feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process. ΔHx and ΔSx were decreased to a small extent from −5.567 to −3.439 kJ/mol and increased from 11.18 to 18.39 J/mol, respectively, with increase in surface loading from 50 to 70 mg/g, indicating that the surface of the onto P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB is having energetically heterogeneous surface and there may be some lateral interactions between the adsorbed Th(IV) ions Repeated adsorption–desorption study over six cycles, adsorption percentage decreases from 99.0 to 94.6 %, proved the efficiency of P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB as an effective adsorbent for the removal and recovery of Th(IV) from aqueous solutions. Complete removal of Th(IV) ions from seawater containing 10 mg/L with a dose of 0.25 g/L P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB achieved. Batch adsorption system as double stage reactor designed from the adsorption isotherm data of Th(IV) by constructing operational lines. From these could be concluded that P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB is a promising candidate for the effective removal and removal of Th(IV) from industrial effluents phase and sea water. The maximum adsorption capacity Qs for Ceralite IRC-50 calculated which was found to be 179.67 mg/g which are considerably lower than those for P(IA/MAA)-g-NC/NB.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2018

Process Design and Economics for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Hydrocarbon Fuels and Coproducts: 2018 Biochemical Design Case Update; Biochemical Deconstruction and Conversion of Biomass to Fuels and Products via Integrated Biorefinery Pathways

Over the past decade, NREL conducted a campaign to quantify the economic implications associated with observed and future targeted performance for the biochemical conversion of corn stover to ethanol through techno-economic modeling. This report serves as an update to the biological sugar conversion approach, reflecting modifications to underlying conversion operational strategies, as well as refinements to the techno-economic model details. In addition, the report includes a more quantitative focus on envisioned processing requirements for achieving final fuel cost goals moving further into the future, via inclusion of value-added coproducts.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

NASA NTRS1973

Design, process development, manufacture, test and evaluation of boron-aluminum for space shuttle components

The development of sufficient technology to permit application of boron-aluminum to space shuttle components is described. Specifically, report is made of the fabrication and testing of a 48 in. by 72 in. boron-aluminum compression panel capable of distributing a point load of 350,000 lbs. into a uniform running load within a peaking factor of 1.3 at a temperature of 600 F. In addition, small component testing was performed to verify the compression panel design.

Garrett, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Transonic empirical configuration design process

This lecture describes some of the experimental research pertaining to transonic configuration development conducted by the Transonic Aerodynamics Branch of the NASA Langley Research Center. Discussions are presented of the following: use of florescent oil films for the study of surface boundary layer flows; the severe effect of wind tunnel wall interference on the measured configuration drag rise near the speed of sound as determined by a comparison between wind tunnel and free air results; the development of a near sonic transport configuration incorporating a supercritical wing and an indented fuselage, designed on the basis of the area rule with a modification to account for the presence of local supersonic flow above the wing; a device for improving the transonic pitch up of swept wings with very little added drag at the cruise condition; a means for reducing the large transonic aerodynamic interference between the wing, fuselage, nacelle and pylon for a for a fuselage mounted nacelle having the inlet above the wing; and methods for reducing the transonic interference between flows over a winglet and the wing.

Whitcomb, R. T.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Engineering A Low-Cost Kelp Aquaculture System for Community-Scale Seaweed Farming at Nearshore Exposed Sites via User-Focused Design Process

For over 50 years, government fishery agencies have recognized the need to transition excess fishing capacity in coastal waters to aquaculture. For the most part, investment strategies to move wild capture and harvest efforts into aquaculture have failed since the technology and capital expense for entry, such as large fish pens, was not conducive for acceptance. In contrast, low trophic level aquaculture of shellfish and seaweeds is suitable as an addition to the livelihoods of seasonal fishing communities and to those displaced by fishery closures, especially if vessels and gear can be designed around existing fishing infrastructures, thus allowing fishers to maintain engagement with their primary fishery, while augmenting income via aquaculture. In this study, an inexpensive, lightweight, and highly mobile gear for kelp seaweed farming was developed and tested over a 3-year period in southern Maine, USA. The system was different from existing kelp farming operations used in nearshore waters that use low-scope mooring lines, and heavy, deadweight anchors. Instead, a highly mobile, easy to deploy system using lightweight gear was designed for exposed conditions. The entire system fit into fish tote boxes and was loadable onto a standard pickup truck. The seaweed system had small but efficient horizontal drag embedment anchors connected to a chain catenary and pretensioned with simple subsurface flotation. The system was able to be deployed and removed in less than 4 h by a crew of three using a 10 m vessel and produced a harvest of 12.7 kg/m over an 8-month fall-winter growth period. The target group for this seaweed research and development effort were coastal fishing communities who move seasonally into non-fishing occupations in service industries, such as construction, retail, etc. An economic assessment suggests farmers would realize an 8% return on investment after3 years and $13.50/h greater income as compared to a non-farming off season job at minimum wage. This low-cost seaweed farming system for fall-winter operations fits well into a “livelihood” strategy for fishing families who must work multiple jobs in the offseason when their main fishery is unavailable.

St-Gelais, Adam T.↗

DOE OSTI2015

Process Design and Economics for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Hydrocarbons via Indirect Liquefaction. Thermochemical Research Pathway to High-Octane Gasoline Blendstock Through Methanol/Dimethyl Ether Intermediates

This report was developed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office’s (BETO’s) efforts to enable the development of technologies for the production of infrastructure-compatible, cost-competitive liquid hydrocarbon fuels from lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks. The research funded by BETO is designed to advance the state of technology of biomass feedstock supply and logistics, conversion, and overall system sustainability. It is expected that these research improvements will be made within the 2022 timeframe. As part of their involvement in this research and development effort, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory investigate the economics of conversion pathways through the development of conceptual biorefinery process models and techno-economic analysis models. This report describes in detail one potential conversion process for the production of high-octane gasoline blendstock via indirect liquefaction of biomass. The processing steps of this pathway include the conversion of biomass to synthesis gas or syngas via indirect gasification, gas cleanup, catalytic conversion of syngas to methanol intermediate, methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME), and catalytic conversion of DME to high-octane, gasoline-range hydrocarbon blendstock product. The conversion process configuration leverages technologies previously advanced by research funded by BETO and demonstrated in 2012 with the production of mixed alcohols from biomass. Biomass-derived syngas cleanup via reforming of tars and other hydrocarbons is one of the key technology advancements realized as part of this prior research and 2012 demonstrations. The process described in this report evaluates a new technology area for the downstream utilization of clean biomass-derived syngas for the production of high-octane hydrocarbon products through methanol and DME intermediates. In this process, methanol undergoes dehydration to DME, which is subsequently converted via homologation reactions to high-octane, gasoline-range hydrocarbon products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2015

Process Design and Economics for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to High Octane Gasoline: Thermochemical Research Pathway with Indirect Gasification and Methanol Intermediate

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) promotes research for enabling cost-competitive liquid fuels production from lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks. The research is geared to advance the state of technology (SOT) of biomass feedstock supply and logistics, conversion, and overall system sustainability. As part of their involvement in this program, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) investigate the economics of conversion pathways through the development of conceptual biorefinery process models. This report describes in detail one potential conversion process for the production of high octane gasoline blendstock via indirect liquefaction (IDL). The steps involve the conversion of biomass to syngas via indirect gasification followed by gas cleanup and catalytic syngas conversion to a methanol intermediate; methanol is then further catalytically converted to high octane hydrocarbons. The conversion process model leverages technologies previously advanced by research funded by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and demonstrated in 2012 with the production of mixed alcohols from biomass. Biomass-derived syngas cleanup via tar and hydrocarbons reforming was one of the key technology advancements as part of that research. The process described in this report evaluates a new technology area with downstream utilization of clean biomass-syngas for the production of high octane hydrocarbon products through a methanol intermediate, i.e., dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) which subsequently undergoes homologation to high octane hydrocarbon products.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Cryogenic C-band wavelength division multiplexing system using an AIM Photonics Foundry process design kit

Cryogenic environments make superconducting computing possible by reducing thermal noise, electrical resistance and heat dissipation. Heat generated by the electronics and thermal conductivity of electrical transmission lines to the outside world constitute two main sources of thermal load in such systems. As a result, higher data rates require additional transmission lines which come at an increasingly higher cooling power cost. Hybrid or monolithic integration of silicon photonics with the electronics can be the key to higher data rates and lower power costs in these systems. We present a 4-channel wavelength division multiplexing photonic integrated circuit (PIC) built from modulators in the AIM Photonics process development kit (PDK) that operate at 25 Gbps at room temperature and 10 Gbps at 40 K. We further demonstrate 2-channel operation for 20 Gbps aggregate data rate at 40 K using two different modulators/wavelengths, with the potential for higher aggregate bit rates by utilizing additional channels.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2012

Use of simplified PSA studies in support of the ASTRID design process

In the framework of the French Act of 28 June 2006 about nuclear materials and waste management, a GEN IV and actinides incineration demonstration prototype is to be commissioned in the 2020 decade. In this objective a prototype called ASTRID (Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration) is proposed to demonstrate the progress made in SFR technology at an industrial scale by qualifying innovative options, some of which still remain open in the areas requiring improvements, especially safety and operability. More specifically, we aim for a level of safety that is at least equivalent to that of the EPR (third generation), with improvements made in SFR-specific fields. The integration of safety issues in the early phase of the design of ASTRID is necessarily expected. For this purpose, CEA and its partners AREVA and EDF have planned to perform a level-1 PSA to support and orientate the preliminary design of ASTRID reactor. This paper presents the PSA approach and current studies for the assessment of safety systems and the future work to be done for the 2012-2014 period. The preliminary preparation of PSA studies is presented: objectives and scope of the early design phase PSA, definition of core damage states, selection and grouping of initiating events, assessment of safety functions and related systems. Work under progress is also presented: modelling of event trees, construction of fault trees of safety systems, transient calculations of accident sequences with the CATHARE2 code and reliability data assessment. Main objectives of a level-1 PSA performed at conceptual design stage are an early assessment of the safety architecture of the reactor and findings about the most effective areas for improvement, but also the identification of dominant accident sequences and comparison with alternative designs. After the elaboration of a simplified level-1 PSA model for nominal state and main internal initiators, various design alternatives will be evaluated from the viewpoint of PSA in order to support the design choices of the ASTRID reactor. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

NASA NTRS2019

Computational Materials Techniques for Thermal Protection Solutions: Materials and Process Design

Integrated computational materials techniques that span the atomistic and continuum scales have the potential to aid the design and manufacturing of thermal protection materials. Two cases demonstrating the practical application of these methods are discussed. Case one examines the selection of a high temperature coating for carbon/carbon, with the target application being a solar thermal propulsion heat exchanger. The performance of various refractory metal and metal-carbide coatings is characterized considering extreme thermal (3500 K) and chemical (hydrogen flows) conditions. The recession rate, hydrogen leakage, and likelihood of mechanical failure are characterized and provide directions for further experimental investigation. Case two examines the process optimization of a heat shield material composed of a woven silica fiber preform and cyanate ester resin. Frequently, internal voids were found to be present in this composite after the resin infusion and curing stages of manufacturing. Using the manufacturing conditions, computations indicate that both water adsorption and resin cure shrinkage are contributing factors to void formation. The results suggest an alternative process configuration for curing that would mitigate voids.

thermal protection↗

NASA NTRS2018

Computational Materials Techniques for Thermal Protection Solutions: Materials and Process Design

Haskins, Justin↗

NASA NTRS2019

Computational Materials Techniques for Thermal Protection Solutions: Materials and Process Design

Integrated computational materials techniques that span the atomistic and continuum scales have the potential to aid the design and manufacturing of thermal protection materials. Two cases demonstrating the practical application of these methods are discussed. Case one examines the selection of a high temperature coating for carbon/carbon, with the target application being a solar thermal propulsion heat exchanger. The performance of various refractory metal and metal-carbide coatings is characterized considering extreme thermal (3500 degrees Kelvin) and chemical (hydrogen flows) conditions. The recession rate, hydrogen leakage, and likelihood of mechanical failure are characterized and provide directions for further experimental investigation. Case two examines the process optimization of a heat shield material composed of a woven silica fiber preform and cyanate ester resin. Frequently, internal voids were found to be present in this composite after the resin infusion and curing stages of manufacturing. Using the manufacturing conditions, computations indicate that both water adsorption and resin cure shrinkage are contributing factors to void formation. The results suggest an alternative process configuration for curing that would mitigate voids.

Thermal Protection↗

DOE OSTI2025

Process design and techno-economic analysis for bio-based graphite and liquid hydrocarbons production from lignocellulosic biomass

The worldwide demand for graphite, as the main anode material for Li-ion batteries, is expected to double by 2028 since it supports the use of electricity, including transient renewable sources, for energy storage, sustainable mobility, and automation. However, the dependence on non-renewable and external resources jeopardizes the world supply chain. This study explores the technical and economic performance of transforming lignocellulosic biomass into biographite and fuel-grade hydrocarbons through pyrolysis bio-oil upgrading. According to simulation results, the total power demand for the biorefinery reached 10,784 kWh per tonne of biographite, of which 36 % can be supplied by the heat integration network and power plant. Sensitivity and risk analyses were conducted to evaluate the economics, with process yields identified as the most relevant indicators to the minimum selling price (MSP). The analysis revealed a promising cost-competitive range for biographite MSP against fossil-based graphite (medium quality synthetic graphite Chinese market price ~$\$$4.2/kg). Case D, which includes biofuels as a byproduct, presents the best metrics, reaching a MSP of $\$$3.3/kg of anode-grade biographite with a profit margin of 27 %. While including biofuels in the product slate provides the best economic performance, the uncertainty associated with the big capital investment makes its risk 13 % higher to attain an IRR >20 % than the case in which biographite is produced as a standalone product. Overall, this study demonstrates that integrated biorefineries can produce a cost-competitive bio-based anode material for Li-ion batteries.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

NASA NTRS1993

The NASA/industry Design Analysis Methods for Vibrations (DAMVIBS) program: Sikorsky Aircraft: Advances toward interacting with the airframe design process

A short history is traced of the work done at Sikorsky Aircraft under the NASA/industry DAMVIBS program. This includes both work directly funded by the program as well as work which was internally funded but which received its initial impetus from DAMVIBS. The development of a finite element model of the UH-60A airframe having a marked improvement in vibration-predicting ability is described. A new program, PAREDYM, developed at Sikorsky, which automatically adjusts an FEM so that its modal characteristics match test values, is described, as well as the part this program played in the improvement of the UH-60A model. Effects of the bungee suspension system on the shake test data used for model verification are described. The impetus given by the modeling improvement, as well as the recent availability of PAREDYM, has brought for the first time the introduction of low-vibration design into the design cycle at Sikorsky.

Twomey, William J.↗

DOE OSTI2024

In-situ qualification and physics-based process design for aerosol jet printing via spatially correlated light scattering measurements

Aerosol jet printing is a contactless, digital, and additive technique broadly used for manufacturing flexible, hybrid, and conformal electronics. However, batch-to-batch variability has hindered widespread industry adoption and scaling to production volumes. Recently, light scattering measurements have emerged as a tool to measure aerosol volume fraction – a key parameter determining deposition rate – and have proven an effective feedback source for closed loop control on timescales ranging from minutes to hours. Here, the efficacy of light scattering measurements as a tool for in-situ qualification over shorter time durations is explored. To be the linear relationship between light scattering measurements and deposition rate was validated at 500 ms time intervals, allowing deposition rate to be mapped to positional coordinates and providing a new data stream to drive quality control assessments. Because light scattering measurements are indicative of a physical process parameter, they were substituted into equations for resistance and sheet resistance, resulting in predictions nominally within 10% of measured values for sets of printed devices. Finally, to highlight a more active utility, light scattering measurements were employed in a print repair framework, successfully repairing prints with randomly induced defects to within 5% of the measured resistance of a control set.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗